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A novel approach for the in-situ chemical elimination of chrysotile from asbestos-containing fireproofing materials
Block, J., Petrakis, L., Dolhert, LE., Myers, D., Hegedus, LL., Webster, RP., & Kukacka, LE. (2000). A novel approach for the in-situ chemical elimination of chrysotile from asbestos-containing fireproofing materials. Environmental Science and Technology, 34(11), 2293-2298. https://doi.org/10.1021/es990432d
We report here the development of a method for the chemical digestion of chrysotile asbestos in asbestos-containing fireproofing to levels lower than the regulatory threshold. The resulting fireproofing, no longer defined as asbestos-containing, can remain in place with properties intact. In the process, chrysotile fibers are digested without generating excessive gaseous byproducts, and the foam-based delivery system essentially eliminates release of airborne fibers. New X-ray diffraction methods quantified chrysotile levels with far greater precision than standard optical microscopic methods. Full-scale field testing confirmed the laboratory phase of the project. Fire testing of the treated fireproofing showed that the treated material functions as well as the original fireproofing.